Why are we looking for aliens? Curiosity is only one aspect, the deeper reasons are thought-provoking

Looking at the starry sky, a question that human beings have been curious about since they had a clear understanding of the world always emerges involuntarily from the depths of their hearts: Are there aliens in the universe?

According to the current understanding of the universe, the answer to this question is yes, because under the exaggerated distance scale of the universe, as long as one thing happens once, it will inevitably happen a second time, so since the wisdom of mankind has already appeared life, then there must be other intelligent beings living somewhere in the universe at this time.

However, this resolute and decisive answer brings up a second inexplicable question: why have they not been found?

In 1974, when the Arecibo telescope was completed, scientists sent a message representing human civilization-Arecibo Information to a densely stellar place 25,000 light-years away - the M13 Nebula, which continued. three minutes.

At this moment, this signal carrying human hope is galloping in the universe, hoping to be intercepted and interpreted by an alien civilization.

In 1977, Voyager 1 and 2 set off one after another for the boundless space. The "golden records" they carried with them also engraved some basic information about the earth and human beings.

Although many scientists have warned not to make a "call" in the universe, it is not difficult to see from the many efforts currently being made that human beings are eager and eager to find aliens.

So why are humans so eager to find aliens?

The origin of life has always been a very mysterious issue. Although the "Miller experiment" has proved the correctness of the chemical evolution theory and is generally accepted by the public, it is only one of many possibilities. Has not given up research on other forms of origin of life.

For example, life on earth is all carbon-based life, but in fact, many people think that there may be silicon-based life in the universe, but because there are no living examples, this view can only be called "speculation" and cannot become a fact.

If aliens are discovered in the universe, or simple life forms, even if they are carbon-based life like humans, it can provide us with new ideas and inspirations for studying the origin of life.

And if they are not carbon-based life like us, this will directly subvert our understanding of the nature of life and the nature of the universe, thereby promoting research in related fields.

Probably many of you have heard the point that breakthroughs in physics have slowed down. Yes, it did, and not just a slowdown, but now even a stagnant momentum.

You must know that physics is considered to be the subject closest to the essence of the universe, and its progress and breakthroughs will directly affect the development and progress of human science and technology, so the impact of its slowdown and stagnation can be imagined.

Why does this happen? In fact, it is basically because of experimental constraints.

Physics has developed to such an extent that many people have forgotten that it is an experiment-based discipline. Throughout the various branches of physics, there is almost no one that is not first discovered by experiment and then explained by theory (except the theory of relativity).

The rapid development of physics in the last century was basically based on a large number of experiments in particle physics, condensed matter, and astronomical observations.

Today, experimental methods have seriously restricted the development of physics: experimental progress in particle physics and astronomy requires unimaginable resources, while condensed matter experiments can still maintain a relatively economical scale, but they also lack new exploration. direction.

Therefore, if an alien civilization is discovered at this time, it will definitely be a good thing for human beings. If they have a higher level of technology than humans, then humans have found their way forward in the dark, and physics will usher in a leap-forward development, which will then drive the rapid development of technology.

Even if their technological level is not as good as ours, we can still find opportunities and inspirations for breakthroughs by referring to their different development methods.

Rich development resources

At present, because the reference sample is only human beings, when scientists look for aliens in the vast universe, they will first pay attention to those planets with similar environments to the earth.

If the aliens are found using this reference, it means that human beings have also found a planet suitable for human survival and life, which is of great significance to human beings.

On the one hand, with the improvement of human technology level, the demand for resources is also increasing, and one day the resources of the solar system may not be enough for human beings, so the importance of a resource-rich planet at this time is self-evident. of.

On the other hand, although the sun still has a lifespan of about 5 billion years, it only has about 1 billion years left for humans to live on the earth, which means that if humans want to continue, they must live in the universe. Finding a new home, the importance of terrestrial planets is now on full display.

satisfy one's own curiosity

If physical superiority is the key to the evolution of human intelligence, then curiosity about the unknown is the key to promoting human development. It is no exaggeration to say that human beings can achieve today's brilliant achievements, and curiosity about the unknown is definitely the main factor. .

Putting it into the exploration of aliens, one of the fundamental reasons why humans are persistent in searching is actually to satisfy their own curiosity. After all, who doesn't want to see intelligent life that looks different from themselves?

It's like climbing a mountain, humming and tiring to the top of the mountain. In fact, there is no main purpose. It is to satisfy the sense of accomplishment and curiosity in the heart, and to see the magnificent scenery on the top of the mountain.

All in all, why are we looking for aliens? Curiosity is only one aspect, there are many deeper reasons for people to ponder.

Although there are still many people who believe that the search for aliens is a "suicide" behavior, more people believe that the search for aliens is more beneficial than harmful to the development of civilization.